Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was left seething after a controversial tackle in the Europa League semifinal first leg against Nottingham Forest, with the Spanish boss demanding an explanation over the lack of a red card.
Emery’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat away from home, but his frustrations were aimed squarely at the officiating after Elliot Anderson’s studs-up challenge on Ollie Watkins in the 31st minute went unpunished. The tackle, which caught Watkins on the ankle, was not reviewed for a potential sending-off.
“It’s a huge mistake, a huge mistake. Ollie Watkins almost broke his ankle. They need to give us an explanation because it’s madness. When you see the action, it’s madness,” Emery said in his post-match press conference.
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“Of course the referee can’t see it exactly as I do, but an action like that… it makes no sense. It is so clear. There is no doubt. Where is the doubt when you see the action? Where is it?” he questioned.
“VAR? Where is VAR? Where is VAR? Wow, madness. Ok, let’s move on,” he added in resignation.
Aston Villa’s football director Damian Vidagany shared the frustration: “This isn’t over. Here’s a big question: If VAR is here to help football and bring justice, and if VAR called the referee for the penalty, why didn’t they at least review a red card for Anderson? Big mistake from the VAR official tonight. He didn’t help the on-field referee. I am sure UEFA’s refereeing department will agree with us on this unfair situation.”
Vidagany’s comments also referenced a penalty awarded against Lucas Digne for handball, which led to Chris Wood’s winning goal for Nottingham Forest.
Forest manager Vitor Pereira, however, defended his player, saying: “I was five meters away. My perception was that he touched the ball, but I haven’t reviewed the play. I can’t give an opinion on it.”
Emery and Aston Villa now look ahead to the return leg at Villa Park, where they will need to overturn the deficit and perhaps seek vindication over the controversial incident.
